Bergmann puts brakes on Braves

Jason Bergmann was so focused that he almost forgot he had to hit.

Bergmann took a bid for a no-hitter into the eighth inning and got his first major league win as a starter, leading the Nationals over the Atlanta Braves, 2-1, last night in Washington.

Bergmann cruised through the first seven innings but Brian McCann hit a leadoff homer in the eighth. The righthander responded by retiring the next three to get out of the inning.

"It wasn't like it was a big deal," Bergmann said. "You try to limit the number of hits you give up. If it's zero, it's fine. I wasn't going for the no-hitter at all."

Bergmann was so focused that he forgot to go to the on-deck circle in the seventh inning after Braves pitcher John Smoltz hurt his pitching hand making a tag in a rundown. Manager Manny Acta had to remind him about his hitting responsibilities.

Bergmann came out for the ninth inning and departed after pinch hitter Matt Diaz singled. Jesus Colome got two outs before Edgar Renteria singled to bring up Andruw Jones, who struck out after being ahead 3-and-0. It was Colome's first save of the season.

Bergmann (1-3) struck out 10 and walked one to get his first win since Sept. 15, 2005, and first in 15 major league starts. He's holding opponents to a .162 batting average.

The Nationals have won four straight, all at home, after an eight-game skid on the road.

Smoltz, who turns 40 today, pitched well before dislocating his right pinky tagging Austin Kearns in the bottom of the seventh.

Immediately after applying the tag at chest level, Smoltz (5-2) fell to the ground in pain. He then got up, looked at his hand, and slammed his glove to the ground in frustration. He left the field after being examined by a trainer.

X-rays were negative.

Padres 7, Reds 1 -- Greg Maddux pitched a five-hitter for his first complete game in two years, and host San Diego handed Cincinnati its fourth straight loss. Maddux (3-2) retired the first 16 batters he faced, struck out five, and walked none in his 109th career complete game. He needed only 95 pitches to complete the gem. It was career win No. 336, putting Maddux six behind tying Tim Keefe for ninth on the career list.

Mets 5, Cubs 4 -- Chicago's Michael Wuertz walked three straight batters in the bottom of the ninth inning, forcing home the winning run to lift New York. Slumping slugger Carlos Delgado drew the game-ending walk on a 3-2 pitch that was high.

Angels 7, Rangers 2 -- Kevin Millwood came off the disabled list for Texas, gave up a first-inning grand slam to Casey Kotchman, then left after five outs because of an aggravated hamstring as visiting Los Angeles rolled to the victory.

Cardinals 8, Dodgers 4 -- David Eckstein had three hits, Chris Duncan hit St. Louis' first homer since May 1, and the visiting Cardinals beat Los Angeles for the 10th straight time.

Royals 2, A's 1 -- John Buck broke up a scoreless game with a two-run homer in the ninth against Justin Duchscherer and visiting Kansas City won consecutive games for just the third time this season.

Blue Jays 5, Orioles 3 -- Troy Glaus hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning to rally host Toronto.

Pirates 7, Marlins 0 -- Lefthander Tom Gorzelanny (5-2) limited slumping Florida to five singles over seven shutout innings, outpitching Dontrelle Willis to spark host Pittsburgh.